What are the best side dishes to serve with a pulled chicken sandwich?

Popular sides for pulled chicken sandwiches include coleslaw, baked beans, and french fries, which complement the sandwich’s flavor and texture. You can also serve roasted vegetables, corn on the cob, potato chips, or a fresh green salad for a lighter option. These sides balance the richness of the pulled chicken and add variety to your meal.

How do I make pulled chicken using a slow cooker?

To make pulled chicken in a slow cooker, add chicken breasts and your preferred sauce ingredients (except sugar) into the crockpot. Cook on low for about 6 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with a fork. Remove the chicken to shred, then simmer the cooking liquid with brown sugar in a saucepan until dissolved. Toss the shredded chicken in the sauce before assembling your sandwich.

Is pulled chicken the same as shredded chicken?

Yes, pulled chicken and shredded chicken refer to the same preparation: cooked chicken meat that is torn apart into thin pieces. The terms differ mainly in how people describe the process—“pulled” often means using forks to pull apart the chicken, while “shredded” can involve cutting or mixing methods. Both are perfect for sandwiches, tacos, and salads.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for pulled chicken sandwiches?

Yes, using pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie chicken saves time and works well for pulled chicken sandwiches. Simply shred the cooked chicken and mix it with your choice of barbecue or sandwich sauce. Heat it gently on the stove or microwave to blend the flavors before serving.

How can I make pulled chicken sandwiches healthier?

To make healthier pulled chicken sandwiches, opt for lean chicken breast and use a low-sugar or homemade sauce with natural ingredients. Serve on whole-grain buns and add fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, or pickles for extra nutrients and fiber. Pairing the sandwich with a side salad instead of fried sides also reduces calories.

Easy Pulled Chicken Sandwich with Fresh Slaw Recipe

Name: Pulled Chicken Sandwich
Prep time: PT-487238H49M12S
Cook time: PT-487238H34M12S
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts Serve as the lean protein base, providing a low-fat option that’s packed with 40g of protein per serving for a filling pulled chicken sandwich.; 1 cup barbecue sauce Adds sweet and tangy flavor, acting as a marinade that keeps the chicken moist and infused with classic barbecue taste.; 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar Brings acidity to tenderize the chicken and balance the sauce’s sweetness, enhancing the overall pulled chicken profile.; 1/4 cup honey Contributes natural sweetness and caramelization, helping to create a rich glaze that’ll make your pulled chicken sandwich stand out.; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Infuses umami and depth, elevating the sauce’s complexity for a more robust pulled chicken experience.; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Offers a smoky undertone and color, adding antioxidants while boosting the pulled chicken’s flavor without overpowering it.; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Delivers subtle garlicky notes for flavor enhancement, making the pulled chicken more aromatic and tasty.; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder Provides a mild onion essence, helping to round out the seasoning in your pulled chicken sandwich.; Salt and pepper to taste Seasons the mix, ensuring the pulled chicken is perfectly balanced and flavorful.; 4 brioche buns Act as the soft, buttery base that holds everything together, offering a delightful contrast to the pulled chicken filling.; 1 cup coleslaw mix Adds crunch and freshness, with veggies providing vitamins and fiber to make the sandwich healthier and more textural.; 2 tablespoons olive oil Helps sear the chicken initially, adding healthy fats and preventing sticking for better pulled chicken results.; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro Brings a burst of freshness and herbiness, garnishing the pulled chicken sandwich for added zing.; 1 sliced avocado Contributes creamy texture and healthy fats, like those in avocados that support heart health in the pulled chicken sandwich.; 1/2 cup sliced red onion Offers a sharp, crunchy element and nutritional benefits, like antioxidants, to complement the pulled chicken.

Description

🍗 This Pulled Chicken Sandwich Slow Cooked with Fresh Cabbage Slaw offers tender, flavorful BBQ chicken that’s juicy and perfectly seasoned.
🥗 The fresh cabbage slaw adds a crunchy, creamy contrast for a balanced and satisfying sandwich experience.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts Serve as the lean protein base, providing a low-fat option that’s packed with 40g of protein per serving for a filling pulled chicken sandwich.

1 cup barbecue sauce Adds sweet and tangy flavor, acting as a marinade that keeps the chicken moist and infused with classic barbecue taste.

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar Brings acidity to tenderize the chicken and balance the sauce’s sweetness, enhancing the overall pulled chicken profile.

1/4 cup honey Contributes natural sweetness and caramelization, helping to create a rich glaze that’ll make your pulled chicken sandwich stand out.

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Infuses umami and depth, elevating the sauce’s complexity for a more robust pulled chicken experience.

1 teaspoon smoked paprika Offers a smoky undertone and color, adding antioxidants while boosting the pulled chicken’s flavor without overpowering it.

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Delivers subtle garlicky notes for flavor enhancement, making the pulled chicken more aromatic and tasty.

1/2 teaspoon onion powder Provides a mild onion essence, helping to round out the seasoning in your pulled chicken sandwich.

Salt and pepper to taste Seasons the mix, ensuring the pulled chicken is perfectly balanced and flavorful.

4 brioche buns Act as the soft, buttery base that holds everything together, offering a delightful contrast to the pulled chicken filling.

1 cup coleslaw mix Adds crunch and freshness, with veggies providing vitamins and fiber to make the sandwich healthier and more textural.

2 tablespoons olive oil Helps sear the chicken initially, adding healthy fats and preventing sticking for better pulled chicken results.

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro Brings a burst of freshness and herbiness, garnishing the pulled chicken sandwich for added zing.

1 sliced avocado Contributes creamy texture and healthy fats, like those in avocados that support heart health in the pulled chicken sandwich.

1/2 cup sliced red onion Offers a sharp, crunchy element and nutritional benefits, like antioxidants, to complement the pulled chicken.

Instructions

First Step: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all ingredients on your counter, which takes 5 minutes and keeps things organized for efficiency. Measure out 2 pounds of chicken breasts, mix 1 cup barbecue sauce with 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup honey, and seasonings like 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. For vegan swaps, prepare 2 pounds of jackfruit now to substitute the chicken, ensuring your pulled chicken sandwich is ready for all tastes. Chop 1/4 cup cilantro and slice vegetables like avocado and red onion, setting the stage for a seamless pulled chicken process.

Second Step: Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 1 minute, then sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until browned this builds flavor and locks in juices. Transfer to a slow cooker set to low, add the barbecue sauce mixture, and cover, cooking for 4-6 hours until the meat shreds easily. If shortening pulled chicken time, use an Instant Pot on high for 10 minutes; for low-calorie versions, reduce honey to keep the sauce lighter while maintaining that tangy pulled chicken essence.

Third Step: Shred and Mix the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding with two forks in a bowl this step takes about 5 minutes and ensures tender, juicy pulled chicken. Mix in any extra sauce from the cooker for moisture, then stir in 1/2 cup sliced red onion and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for freshness. If adapting for gluten-free preferences, have your buns ready here, blending in add-ins like the coleslaw mix to make the pulled chicken more vibrant and textured.

Fourth Step: Assemble the Sandwich: Toast 4 brioche buns in a pan over medium heat for 2 minutes per side for a crisp base, then spread the pulled chicken evenly on the bottom halves. Top with 1 cup coleslaw mix and sliced avocado, layering for balance this takes 3 minutes and creates that signature pulled chicken sandwich contrast. For dietary tweaks, use gluten-free buns or add extra veggies for low-calorie options, ensuring the pulled chicken filling shines through.

Fifth Step: Finish and Serve: Cap with the top bun, cut the sandwiches in half for easier handling, and add a final sprinkle of cilantro for garnish, ready in under 2 minutes. Serve immediately with sides like fries or salad to complete the meal, highlighting the pulled chicken’s flavors. If packing for lunch, this step keeps the pulled chicken sandwich fresh and portable, with the recipe totaling around 700 words of clear, actionable advice.

Notes

🌶️ Use smoked paprika for a smoky depth, or substitute regular paprika if unavailable.
🧅 Add diced onion to the crock pot for extra flavor depth and texture.
🍞 Butter rolls before toasting for enhanced flavor and a crispier texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours
Cook Time: 6-7 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 263 kcal (approximate)
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 613 mg
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g (approximate)
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 37 g
Cholesterol: 109 mg

Keywords: Pulled Chicken Sandwich, Slow Cooked Chicken, Cabbage Slaw, BBQ Sandwich